🫁 Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism
Calculate the Wells score for pulmonary embolism (PE) pre-test probability (two- and three-level).
Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism
Clinical signs of DVT
PE is the most likely diagnosis
Heart rate > 100/min
Immobilisation/surgery within 4 weeks
Previous DVT/PE
Haemoptysis
Malignancy (treated within 6 months)
When to use
Guide D-dimer vs CT pulmonary angiography in suspected PE.
How it works
Weighted items (DVT signs 3, PE most likely 3, HR > 100 1.5, immobilisation/surgery 1.5, prior VTE 1.5, haemoptysis 1, malignancy 1). Two-level: > 4 likely, ≤ 4 unlikely.
Key points
- Unlikely + negative high-sensitivity D-dimer excludes PE (consider PERC).
- Likely → CT pulmonary angiography.
- Three-level bands: < 2 low, 2–6 moderate, > 6 high.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.